Dog Training Fundamentals

Much of the stress and anxiety displayed by untrained dogs comes from not knowing what is expected of them. Without proper training, dogs often develop unwanted and sometimes even dangerous behaviors that can hinder relationships between owners and their dogs. Properly training dogs to obey and respond to their owner's commands is necessary for healthy, happy, safe friendships between owners and dogs.

Successful dog obedience training requires a few fundamental disciplines to teach dogs so they understand good behavior and obeying commands leads to being rewarded.

Positive Reinforcement training rewards dogs for good behavior. The sooner dogs comprehend good behavior equals praise or treats the sooner they will want to perform behave good instead of a bad. Dogs respond with enthusiasm when their name is connected with praise.

Be consistent. Don't allow dogs to partake in behaviors one day and then the next day discipline the same behavior. When it comes to learning good behaviors it's all or nothing.

Correct immediately. Dogs must be rewarded and corrected for behaviors as they happen. Corrections should be immediately following the action and should be short and brief verbal commands. Never use physical harm such as hitting or slapping dogs ever.

Physical punishment is ineffective and only causes existing problems to worsen. If a dog chews on something he shouldn't, quickly alert his attention with a “nah nah” while he is chewing and offer him one of his toys that are okay to chew. Then praise him when he chews on the correct toy.

Keep training lessons short. Dogs will look forward to brief intervals of training. Incorporate lessons into daily routines, like giving a "sit" and "stay" command before patting and giving affection.

Set rules. Dog owners must set rules for dogs to follow in order to prevent bad habits from developing that will be harder to break later.

In the end all of the annoying jumping, running away, pulling the leash, climbing behaviors can be tackled by introducing basic commands and using positive reinforcement training with dogs.

Remember, all dogs are good dogs, dogs may have developed bad behaviors, but dogs are always good – always and it's the owners responsibility to set the rules and teach them.